Through a collaborative effort with the San Diego USO and other strategic partners, the volunteer-based San Diego Waves of Appreciation organization is creating a food resource for the thousands of American servicemembers traveling from the San Diego International airport during the 2012 holidays.

Project organizers said many of these men and women might be traveling without enough money for food and snacks, and the food program will help hungry soldiers fill their bellies on travel.

The partnership’s goal is to give back and show gratitude to military members as they travel home to see their families during the holiday season.

To this end, Waves of Appreciation will create and distribute 3,500 bags filled with non-perishable food items to give to active-duty service members traveling through Lindbergh Field the week before Thanksgiving and Christmas. These bags will help sustain many of the young service members who might otherwise have to travel hungry during the holidays, said organizers.

For more information, call Reed Reichert at (858) 705-8118, or email sandiegopepperdinewaves@gmail.com. Donations can be made by making checks payable to: USO San Diego Downtown Center, C/O Ginger Csizmadi, 303 A Street Suite 100, San Diego, 92101. Just write “food bag project” on the check memo line.

You can also “like” Waves of Appreciation at www.facebook.com/WavesOfAppreciation.

Run/walk to aid fight against colon cancer

More than 300 participants are expected to attend the inaugural “Get Your Rear in Gear® 5K Run/Walk” in Point Loma on Oct. 13. Runners, walkers, and volunteers will gather to raise awareness of the nation’s No. 2 cancer killer and raise funds for colon cancer prevention screening.

The day will include a celebration for survivors, support for caregivers and tributes to those who lost their battles.

The event begins with registration at 7:45 a.m. at NTC Liberty Station. The 5K run portion and walk portion will follow at 9 a.m. and 9:05 a.m., respectively. Registration and information is available online at www.getyourrearingear.com.

Pastel Society to host demo by Rodger Hegler

Award-winning pastelist Rodger Heglar will demonstrate the unique effect of oil pastel during the Oct. 7 meeting of the San Diego Pastel Society. Heglar’s lifelong interest in Old Masters helped form his sense of light and traditional composition.

Particular interest in early California painters helped him refine his eye and create his own palette. Although trained as a biological anthropologist, he has pursued his passion for art in its many forms throughout his life.

The demonstration begin at 2 p.m. at the Point Loma/ Hervey Branch Library, 3701 Voltaire St. Refreshments will be served and the public is welcome.

For information on meetings, exhibits and memberships, visit www.zhibit.org/pssd.

Quick HitsWaves, USO team to feed traveling military folks Through a collaborative effort with the San Diego USO and other strategic partners, the volunteer-based San Diego Waves of Appreciation organization...